Wash Off the Sand Castle: Tips for the Beach

There's nothing better than a day at the beach! The laughter of your kids. Their little sprints into the waves. The sand between their little toes. But as much as your whole family loves the beach, you really don’t want to return and have the RV look like the set of “Dune.” Because sand is not fun to clean up.

So, here are some tips and tricks to bring your fun-and-sun-soaked family home without leaving a trail.

1. Pack Some Baby Powder

Your babies may have graduated to kiddos, but trust us: Baby powder has a big payoff as you leave the beach. Here, it’s for toes, not butts. Simply sprinkle some on your kids’ feet, and they’ll be sand-free in no time. Baby powder soaks up the seawater that binds sand to your skin—so the sand will slide right off.

2. Buy a Beach Blanket

Not all beach blankets are created equal. So, if your fam has a beach trip in the future, invest now and purchase a sandless beach blanket or a set of sandless beach towels. Unlike standard terrycloth material, sand does not stick as easily and makes ridding your towels of sand a sea breeze.

3. Dry First, Wash Later

Wet clothes + sand + a washing machine don’t mix—unless you want a sandy washing machine. (You don’t.) So resist the urge to throw everything in the washer right away. Let wet clothes and towels remain outside until they’re completely dry. Then have the kids shake them out before you give them a spin.

4. Rinse Your Sandy Urchins

Your kids don’t need to go the full monty outside your RV—just a quick rinse in their bathing suits with an outdoor shower attachment. Camco has an outdoor shower head that is compatible with garden hoses and even has a suction cup to free up your hands to make sure you are extra sand-free before heading indoors.

5. Water (Can) Those Feet

Watering cans are cheap and convenient, as well as fun and easy for the kids to use. Have the kids fill it before you head out, and when you arrive home, give them the responsibility of running the family foot-bath station. (It’s also a good reminder for everyone to take their shoes off before getting in the RV.)

6. Deploy the Dust Buster

Despite all your baby-powder, sandless-towel, and watering-can tricks, some sand will make its way inside. (Big sigh.) So, keep a dust buster on board for any stubborn grains that follow you home. And while you’re at it, deputize those energy-filled kids to patrol and dust-bust any tracks they find.

Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

2478 NC-12 Rodanthe, NC 27968 | (212) 987-2777

Road Trip: Head down North Carolina Highway 12 (NC-12) from your campsite at Hatteras to Ocracoke Island, a charming spot where you can walk along 16 miles of undeveloped coastline. With a permit, you can even drive directly down to the beach. The shore is about two miles from the village, so be prepared to drive, or stay in the village and take in the local cuisine and culture. 90-minute drive. Ferry required.

Day Rate: $49–57 + tax
Camp Sites: 200

Edisto Beach State Park

8377 State Cabin Road Edisto Island, SC 29438 | (843) 869-2156

Road Trip: Walk the Spanish Mount Trail. The site dates to approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years ago and features a 12-foot-high circle of shells that may have been a Native American ceremonial site. Under the shade of a maritime forest of live oaks palmetto trees, it’s a hike that’s beautiful, easy, and lightly travelled. 10-minute drive + a hike

Day Rate: $48 + tax ($4 pet fee per dog per day)
Camp Sites: 162 (50 full hookup)

Jekyll Island Campground

1197 Riverview Drive Jekyll Island, GA 31527 | (912) 635-3021

Road Trip: Stop into the state’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. With year-round indoor and outdoor programs, it’s the perfect chance to encounter live sea turtles and see rehabilitation in action. You can enjoy a wide range of interactive exhibits and experiences, like “Turtles at Twilight” and “Scutes School.” 8-minute drive

Day Rate: $48 + tax ($4 pet fee per dog per day)
Camp Sites: 167

Clearwater Lake Campground

24511 Country Road 42 Paisley, FL 32767 | (352) 669-0078

Road Trip: Stay in the forest and paddle your canoe or kayak across Clearwater Lake to find the perfect quiet spot. The edge of the lake boasts more than a mile circuit, so you have plenty of space to explore. Rentals are available, so if you don’t own a canoe or kayak, don’t fret. Full hookups aren’t available, but it’s the perfect boondock stop to convene with nature.

Day Rate: $25 + tax
Camp Sites: 42